The new year 2022 is just around the corner and the tourism industry of Nepal is gradually improving to get back to its best form. The number of tourist arrival in Nepal has increased since the nation opened its door to the tourists traveling in Nepal for different tourism activities. More than 20,000 visitors arrived in the month of October and November each. A far better stats from the previous months.
Now that December is about to end, what should you expect for your visit to Nepal in 2022.
Best time for trekking
2022 can be the best year for trekking in Nepal, if you are planning for one. As compared to the time before corona virus, there are very low number of tourists arrival till November with just over 26000 visitors last month. So some of the popular trails which used to be crowded during the best season can now be a less busier.
It is winter and January is one of the best month for trekking in the snow capped mountains of Nepal as you get to see the clear views of the mountain ranges this time of the year. . We can expect, similar number or a slightly more tourists arrival in the month of January. So these trekking trails and off the beaten path treks might have less crowded during the initial lwriod of time.
Adventure sports
The adventure sports like bungee, rafting, Paragliding, zipline, kayaking are getting a lot of impressions among the bothe domestic and international tourists lately. Nepal has always been one of the favourite destination for bungee and rafting for the tourists worldwide.
There is a new company ,'The Cliff' at Kushma which operates one of the longest bunge jump in the whole world. Along with that, they also provide different other adventure sports like sky cycling, and swing as well.
Moving on to the water sports, Nepal has some fast flowing rivers where you can get the best white water rafting experience and Bhotekoshi and Trishuli are some of the popular rivers for the thrill of rafting. Kayaking on the other hand is equally thrilling experience. There are several more adventure sports like, paragliding, parahawking, canoeing.
Culture, festivals and celebrations
From East to the West and from North to the South, you would be amazed how different the culture and traditions are at different places of Nepal, although they look slightly similar. While you get to see a whole different culture at Himalayan, hilly and Terai region, you can witness the mixed culture, festivals and celebrations all in Kathmandu.
The capital of Nepal has been inhabited by people from different reguons of Nepal and now we get to see all varieties of festivals and celebrations throughout the year during specific time by specific communities.
Witness and be a part of jatras and celebrations during your visit to Nepal. The festivals and jatras in Nepal lets you witness the pure taste of Nepali culture and traditions. So if you are into it, you should not missed it. There are several festivals in Nepal celebrated for different reasons throughout the year. From traditional folklores to the instruments played from generations, you get to witnes all during the festivals.
Unique art and architectures throughout the nation
As Nepal is rich in culture, there are several arts and architectures that are unique from eachother. Pagoda style, to Stupa and Shikhar style of temples and architectures can be seen in different parts of the country Most of the festivals are totally dedicated for gods and temples, so you can see the trafitional jatras and celebrations around these temples during different time of the year.
Thanka and Mithila paiting are ones to look at as well during your trip to Nepal.
The difference in the three different geography has resulted in the varieties of settlment and housing in three different regions of Nepal. Different communites have their own traditional way of settlment, however the city areas like Kathmandu has slowly filled with modern house in the present world.
New international airport in Nepal
As of writing, there is still only one international airport being operated in Nepal. Howevee, there are three new international airports in the making. Among them, the Pokhara International Airport is all setto gear up and start its operation from January. While only domestic airlines are said to be operated initially, we can expect international flight to be operated sooner or later in 2022 at Pokhara International Airport.
Apart from that, Gautam Buddha International Airport at Bhairahawa is another international airport which is expected to be completed sooner than it is meant to.
These new international airports will definitely make an ease for the tourists to travel to their destination.
Travel restrictions
As of writing, the immigration department of Nepal has mentioned that tourists traveling from African countries are restricted to visit Nepal for the time being due to new variant of Corona virus. The other protocols for the visitors remain same as previous.
No mandatory hotel quarantine if the visitor is fully vaccinated along with PCR negative test report taken 72 hr prior to baording the flight. Tourists can travel to different travel destinations throughout the nation and will likely to stay so until if there is any new notice.
Places to be
Kathmandu
The first destination of your trip, if you are traveling by air. Having said that, Kathmandu is one of the famous travel destination for the tourists. The best part of this place: Cultures, festivals, arts and architectures with some of the top notch ambience, accomodation and hospitality throughout the country.
With 7 UNESCO world Heritage Sites only inside the Kahmandu valley and seceral other temples, stupas and historical monuments, you are in for a treat if you love traveling to these place.
Not to forget Thamel if you are a foreigner, the place is a tourist hub that has accomodations fit for all kind of tourists. Along with that, you can get some of the best hiking trails in Kathmandu as well.
Pokhara - wild west
One of the most beautiful city of Nepal and a very popular destination of Nepal. It is a gateway to several trekking trails ( Himalayas) that leads to different snow capped mountains. With lakes, beautiful sceneries and filled with adventures, this place provides a whole new vibe than Kathmandu. Not to mention,Pokhara isa best place for adventure sports.
Chitwan
Best place for wildlife safaris, bird watching and to explore the local culture. Head on to Lumbini from there to explore the place of Lord Buddha.
To the East
Different topography, deep forests and to explore the local culture and their festivals. If possible, you can head on for some short and long rides.
If you are traveling anytime soon,
- It is winter and the temperature is decreasing gradually in Nepal. You can expect a very cold temperature for a next couple of months and then the temperature might increase gradually. January might be one of the coldest months throughout the year.
- The next cultural festival coming up is Maghe sankranti which is celebrated on the first of Magh. On the same day Newars celebrate Ghya Chaku Sanhlu: Chaku is a traditional sweet delicacy of Nepal. So you can find Chaku during this time if you want to try some.
- Election is coming up very soon in Nepal, so the streets of major areas might get crowded due to rallys but there is a very low chance of that, so you might not have to worrymuch about that.
- Talking about corona virus, there are a couple hundred of daily new cases in Nepal and the situation seems to be in control as of now. As of writing, health ministry has reported only two new cases of Omicron a few weeks back and we can only hope for the best.
So if you have plans to visit Nepal in 2022, get the latest information regarding travel restrictions, health and safety along with your travel itineraries. Stay safe and have a wonderful year!
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